A Localized Finite-Element Method for Two-Dimensional Steady Potential Flows with a Free Surface

Abstract

A numerical method is presented for solving two-dimensional uniform flow problems with a linearized free-surface boundary condition. The boundary-value problem governed by Laplace's equation is replaced by a weak formulation (also known as Galerkin's method) with certain essential boundary conditions. The infinite domain of the fluid is reduced to a finite domain by utilizing known solution spaces in certain subdomains. The bases for the trial and test functions are chosen from the same subspace of the polynomial function space in the reduced subdomain. The essential boundary conditions are properly taken into account by an unconventional choice of the basis for the trial functions, which is different from that for the test functions in other subdomains. This method is applied to two-dimensional steady flow past a submerged elliptic section, a hydrofoil at an arbitrary angle of attack, and a bump on the bottom. In each example the body boundary condition is satisfied exactly. Both subcritical and supercritical flows are treated. We present the numerical results of wave resistance, lift force, moment, circulation strength, and flow blockage parameter. The computed pressure distributions on the hydrofoil and wave profiles are shown. The test results obtained by the present method agree very well with existing results. The main advantage of this method is that any complex geometry of the boundary can be easily accommodated.